Hearing Loss
HEARING LOSS
5 ways to make conversation easier for users wearing hearing aids

5 ways to make conversation easier for users wearing hearing aids

Many people mistakenly believe that wearing hearing aids can achieve normal hearing and immediate results, in fact, wearing hearing aids is only the beginning of the hearing rehabilitation process. Hearing aid wearers need to get used to new sounds and changes in timbre to re-establish self-confidence when communicating. Friends and family should gradually help them overcome difficulties in order to give them great help, 5 ways to help hearing aid users talk easily:

5 Ways to Talk Easily with Hearing Impaired

1. Keep the user focused before conveying the message and avoid talking to multiple people at the same time. We can pat the user before talking to him to help him focus on us, or ask the user to stop what they are doing to focus. For users with poor speech resolution, it is more recommended to understand one-on-one, avoid multiple conversations, and avoid distracting users.

2. Communicate face-to-face when speaking, using gestures, facial expressions, lip language to help users understand. Even when people with normal hearing communicate with others, face-to-face communication, supplemented by facial expressions and lip speech, can achieve the best results. This is even more important as a person with hearing impairment.

3. The speaker should speak clearly, talk at a normal communication distance and normal volume, and slow down the speed of speech. Often in life we have a misunderstanding, think that can not hear clearly the sound can be increased, does have a certain effect, but its effect is not as good as the normal volume to slow down the speed of speech, so in daily life we as family and friends to help our hearing impaired people with more patience, take the initiative to slow down the speed of speech.

4. Reduce background noise and try to keep users away from noise sources. For example, turn the sound off the TV or radio, or close the door to reduce noise.

5. When talking, if you find that the wearer is tired, do not force or prolong the conversation. Especially the elderly, due to age, are weaker and not suitable for long-term focused conversation.

AUSTAR: A leading professional Chinese hearing aid manufacturer and supplier, committed to improving hearing through technology for hearing-impaired users.

2022-12-30
Dry aid box or kit is the best for hearing aid cleaning

Dry aid box or kit is the best for hearing aid cleaning

Reasonable use of hearing aid cleaning wipes, solution and brush is the best way to clean hearing aids. The hearing aid cleaning kit inclue wipes/solution/brush etc.

hearing aid cleaning

Hearing Aid Cleaning Best Practices

Hearing aids should be cleaned when the device is on or held over a soft level surface. Bear in mind these devices include a number of sensitive electrical components and you are always better off taking longer due to taking extra care. To reduce the time required to clean in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids, in particular, we strongly recommend the use of a ‘dry aid box’ or hearing aid kit. A dry box is designed to remove moisture and to dry earwax. Some of these dry aid boxes run on mains and even have built-in mechanisms to help eliminate germs. Dry boxes also provide a safe place in which to store the hearing aids overnight.

Hearing Aid Cleaning:

The most important part of maintenance is the prevention of possible problems which involves daily cleaning and inspection. Hearing aid components should last at least 4-5 years provided they are kept clean and all the various parts in working order. Daily cleaning and inspection is essential in ensuring their extended durability. Hearing aid cleaning can be done using a number of tools. Small brushes and/or wax remover tools are among the most popular. Hearing aid brush is used to gently brush over the entire surface of the shell (outer housing) of the device, while the wax tool is used on in-the-ear hearing aids to remove more persistent wax. If a thin-tubing fitting is used, a cleaning wire is recommended to be threaded through the tubing to ensure the removal of wax or moisture. If earmolds are used, the earmold and tubing can be removed from the hearing aid and cleaned in warm water – an air puffer is then a useful tool to use to ensure all moisture is cleared before the tubing is re-attached to the hearing aid. External dirt can also be removed with the use of antibacterial/anti-fungal wipes.

Why should hearing aids be cleaned?

Hearing aids are super-sophisticated devices that help the hard of hearing manage their hearing loss. To provide the required amplification level of sound, the device needs to be in working order and clean from wax and any other accumulated debris, such as dead skin cells. Wax that has accumulated on the hearing aid can cause intermittent faults or a complete blockage of sound. Most electrical devices, which includes hearing aids, can also be affected by moisture build-up on or around the components. Wax, together with the humid conditions that exist in the ear canal, unfortunately, create the perfect environment for the build-up of moisture on the hearing aid.

About AUSTAR Hearing Aids

Xiamen AUSTAR is a leading manufacturer of hearing aids in China. Wholesale behind the ear (BTE) hearing aids, in the ear (ITE) hearing aids, rechargeable hearing aids and other types of hearing aids and use our own fitting system software for programming hearing aids to ensure superior quality of hearing aids and make price competitive in this industry. There are more and more hearing aid companies in the USA, Europe and Mid East choose to build long-term business relationships with Xiamen AUSTAR.

Please feel free to contact us if you are hearing aid wholesalers/distributors and looking for a trustworthy Chinese manufacturer/supplier. No only the custom hearing aid are available, we have a strong R&D teams and engineers to support your any special requirement and development. We are not only your supplier, but your partner and technical supporter. AUSTAR commit to provide customers with excellent service, satisfactory quality and competitive prices, help you expand your market and save hearing aid price/costs!

2021-04-02
How to choose a TV hearing aid for the hearing loss?

How to choose a TV hearing aid for the hearing loss?

How to choose a TV hearing aid for the hearing loss? TV listening devices for hearing impaired reviews, device to help elderly hear tv. Many people that suffer from hearing loss comment on problems hearing the television. This is traditionally tackled by simply turning up the volume; which of course helps but can cause many a cross word with others in the household (or sometimes with those in adjoining households!).

hearing loss

This is mostly due to a high frequency hearing loss (by far the most common type and frequently linked with age). This type of loss leads to challenges when trying to pick up the consonants in words, particularly the letters S, T, H, F, M, N etc. It is even more difficult for women’s and small children’s voices which have a higher frequency form overall.

As a consequence, changing the overall volume does help with these issues but also increases the volume of sounds unnecessarily; resulting in reaching for the remote every time a dramatic moment is emphasised by music.

How to choose a TV hearing aid for the hearing loss?

TV assistive listening devices

These clever devices are designed to provide a personal volume and tone setting for the individual, without affecting volume levels for the rest of the audience (or neighbours!). They usually take the form of a specialist set of headphones which operate wirelessly through infra-red or radio transmission. As they utilise the audio output from the scart connection, they do not interfere with the standard volume and tone settings for the TV and as such allow others to set these at a more comfortable level. These assistive listening devices have been historically popular for two main reasons, they have been much more affordable than the second alternative below and are only used for the purposes of TV viewing in the home and as such, attract less attention.

Hearing Aids

Hearing aids are designed to provide personal levels of volume or amplification with specific focus on certain frequencies; they offer much greater flexibility in this regard than TV Listeners and have several additional benefits. Firstly, they allow for communication from others whilst watching TV and provide or more ‘rounded’ sound picture as external noise sources are picked up; such as a doorbell, a telephone ring (or a smoke alarm!!). Secondly, they can be used to benefit in a far greater number of circumstances than is the case for TV Listeners extending to a variety of social circumstances as well as in the work place. As such they represent a far more flexible and broader beneficial option.

As a leading manufacturer of hearing aids in China, AUSTAR has a wide range of hearing aid products, both our Hearing Aids and TV Listeners start from amazingly affordable prices – which means price, at least, is no longer a reason not to try one…

About AUSTAR Hearing Aids

Neckband Hearing Aids

Xiamen AUSTAR is the leading manufacturer of hearing aids in China. Wholesale behind the ear (BTE) hearing aids, in the ear (ITE) hearing aids, rechargeable hearing aids and other types of hearing aids and use our own fitting system software for programming hearing aids to ensure superior quality of hearing aids and make price competitive in this industry. There are more and more hearing aid companies in the USA, Europe and Mid East choose to build long-term business relationships with Xiamen AUSTAR.

Please feel free to contact us if you are hearing aid wholesalers/distributors and looking for a trustworthy Chinese manufacturer/supplier. No only the custom hearing aid are available, we have a strong R&D teams and engineers to support your any special requirement and development. We are not only your supplier, but your partner and technical supporter. AUSTAR commit to provide customers with excellent service, satisfactory quality and competitive prices, help you expand your market and save hearing aid price/costs!

2021-03-23
Can riding a motorcycle damage your hearing?

Can riding a motorcycle damage your hearing?

Can riding a motorcycle damage your hearing? and how to hearing protection when driving motorcycle.

Excessive noise can lead to noise-induced hearing loss, one of the main causes of hearing loss in the western world. Motorcycle riders, such as yours truly, are at particular risk unless adequate protection is used and sensible judgment is taken. Whether you are a weekend only rider or a rider by occupation, the risk is real. Noise-induced hearing loss is caused by prolonged exposure to damaging sounds over a certain time period. The ‘time period' in question to cause damage is determined by the length of exposure and the level of noise (measured in decibels/dB).

Can riding a motorcycle damage your hearing

Causes of Noise For Motorcycle Riders: Exhaust - Exhaust sound and in particular aftermarket race exhaust without a baffle could easily top 110dB. It is unlikely that exhaust sound on its own will lead to hearing loss due to its position behind the rider at the back of the motorcycle, however when taken into account with other factors the risk grows. Wind - The faster the rider and motorcycle are moving, the more wind noise plays a factor in the overall risk assessment. At 70mph wind noise can exceed 100dB. It is thought that exposure to 100 decibels for only two hours can lead to hearing loss.

Helmet - Both the shape of the helmet and the fit will affect the level of noise. An open face helmet will provide less noise protection compared to a full-face helmet that has been well fitted. Incidentally a full-face helmet that is too big in size will provide less noise protection.

How To Reduce The Risk: Disposable Earplugs - There are a number of noise protection aids designed to reduce the levels of exposure. These noise protection aids will never completely eliminate noise, but rather reduce by a certain amount of db. Disposable earplugs of good quality carry a maximum noise reduction rating of 20 db.

Custom Made Earplugs - Molded earplugs differ from disposable earplugs by their fit that is individual to the particular ear canal shape of the wearer. Priced around US100, they are regarded as more comfortable, long lasting and easier to take in and out.

Quieter Helmets - An average full-face helmet measures 93.5dB at 70mph, however in the world of full-face helmets some are quieter than others.

Well Fitted Helmet - One that has been fitted well in terms of size will provide better noise protection regardless of the brand. A well-fitted helmet should fit snugly because with time it will mold to your precise face shape. The size of the helmet should correspond with the size of your head, which you should measure in cm. If unsure ask your local motorcycle shop assistant for their advice. Ride safely!

About AUSTAR Hearing Aids

Hearing Aids

Xiamen AUSTAR is the leading China manufacturer and supplier of hearing aids. Wholesale behind the ear (BTE) hearing aids, in the ear (ITE) hearing aids, rechargeable hearing aids and other types of hearing aids and use our own fitting system software for programming hearing aids to ensure superior quality of hearing aids and make price competitive in this industry. There are more and more hearing aid companies in the USA, Europe and Mid East choose to build long-term business relationships with Xiamen AUSTAR.

Please feel free to contact us if you are hearing aid wholesalers/distributors and looking for a trustworthy Chinese manufacturer/supplier. No only the custom hearing aid are available, we have a strong R&D teams and engineers to support your any special requirement and development. We are not only your supplier, but your partner and technical supporter. AUSTAR commit to provide customers with excellent service, satisfactory quality and competitive prices, help you expand your market and save hearing aid price/costs!

2021-03-22
Do You Do Hearing Aids For Seniors?

Do You Do Hearing Aids For Seniors?

Do You Do Hearing Aids For Seniors? Hearing aid for senior citizens, hearing aid for 80 year-old and hearing aids for seniors on medicare.

Hearing loss and the need for hearing aids is something that many of us associate with old age (see age related hearing loss). But what do we mean by old age? It is interesting to note that we also associate the need for reading glasses with getting older but do we see them in the same light? In reality, the development of mild to moderate high frequency hearing loss affects almost exactly the same group of people that develop the need for reading glasses; it is simply a factor of growing older.

Hearing Aids For Seniors

If one were asked to describe our experiences of hearing aid wearers, most would picture someone in their 70's or 80's or older and usually someone who has particularly noticeable hearing loss. Some of course would picture a child or young adult they know as, clearly, hearing loss is not solely an age related issue; thankfully, however, these cases are in the minority.

If we were asked to describe our experiences of reading glasses wearers, most would picture someone in their 50's or 60's perhaps – not the same age as hearing aid wearers. Why is that the case?
Mostly, this is because it is true – if a need for reading glasses is established it is normally something that is pretty quickly acted upon and whilst still perceived as a ‘sign of ageing’ it does not carry the same degree of ageing as a hearing aid might. This ageing label is self-fulfilling in a sense, ‘I won't get hearing help because it will ‘age’ me more than glasses do’ – therefore those that do eventually obtain some help are older and re-enforce the stereotype.

It is something I have raised before but one does wonder whether by missing out on conversation, replying inappropriately to a misheard question or withdrawing from social situations is more ‘age' labelling than the issue of addressing it in the first instance.

In any event, the need for hearing aids as opposed to the process of obtaining one is as common as the need for reading glasses and affects broadly the same group of people. Yet the number of people seeking hearing aid help in comparison to visual help is tiny – driven almost entirely by the undesirable ‘ageing’ label they seem to attract.

So, when I am asked whether we have hearing aids for the elderly, of course my answer is yes, although I often back this up by saying that we also offer hearing aids for those that need them and most of them are not what one would typically define as ‘seniors’( older adults /seniors/elderly).

About AUSTAR Hearing Aids

Xiamen AUSTAR is the leading China manufacturer and supplier of hearing aids. Wholesale behind the ear (BTE) hearing aids, in the ear (ITE) hearing aids, rechargeable hearing aids and other types of hearing aids and use our own fitting system software for programming hearing aids to ensure superior quality of hearing aids and make price competitive in this industry. Our main customers are hearing aid companies/distributors across the USA, Europe, Asia and Mid East.

If you are looking for a reliable Chinese manufacturer of hearing aids, contact us, you will find value in AUSTAR. We provide solutions for hearing aid companies/distributors to save time and price/costs. AUSTAR commit to provide customers with excellent service, satisfactory quality and competitive prices.

2021-03-22
How to safely disposing of hearing aid batteries?

How to safely disposing of hearing aid batteries?

Where to Recycle Hearing Aid Batteries? When you wear hearing aids, it's easy to find yourself with a pile of tiny used batteries. How should you dispose of them safely or even better recycle them?

Recycle Hearing Aid Batteries

Tips For Safely Disposing Of Hearing Aid Batteries

1. Never burn batteries as it might lead to an explosion or release harmful chemicals into the air.

2. Check with your local authority about possible collection hubs. For UK Customers some website has a useful map of locations which take back used batteries. If you have decided to accumulate large numbers of used batteries before safely disposing of them, store them well away from children and pets. We have previously written a blog post on how to store hearing aid batteries which makes useful reading, as some of the tips are applicable for storing used batteries as well. 

Recycle Hearing Aid Batteries

3. In some rare cases, your local authority cannot help, but not all is lost. Check with your local doctor's surgery, NHS audiology department, pharmacy or even a local library. 

4. Try to recycle the packing that came with them. Hearing aid wearers can go through many packs of batteries during a given year and therefore the packaging on its own is a goal for recycling. Most batteries were discarded into landfill before regulations came into force. Batteries contain various hazardous metals such as lead, mercury, cadmium, zinc, manganese and lithium. It can be damaging to the environment to dispose of them through landfill and burning batteries also causes atmospheric pollution. Also, the resources reclaimed from the batteries are the very same materials being mined (at great cost) in other parts of the world. By helping to recycle batteries not only are you helping the environment but also helping to keep down the cost of new batteries.

Rechargeable Hearing Aids

Increasingly you can get hearing aids which are rechargeable. You can plug them into a USB cable or a charging cradle overnight to get a full day's use. So if you don't want to worry about batteries any more or find the smaller size batteries hard to cope with then have a look at the rechargeable hearing aids in AUSTAR.

About AUSTAR Hearing Aids

Xiamen AUSTAR is the leading China manufacturer and supplier of hearing aids. Wholesale behind the ear (BTE) hearing aids, in the ear (ITE) hearing aids, rechargeable hearing aids and other types of hearing aids and use our own fitting system software for programming hearing aids to ensure superior quality of hearing aids and make price competitive in this industry. Our main customers are hearing aid companies/distributors across the USA, Europe, Asia and Mid East.

If you are looking for a reliable Chinese manufacturer of hearing aids, contact us, you will find value in AUSTAR. We provide solutions for hearing aid companies/distributors to save time and price/costs. AUSTAR commit to provide customers with excellent service, satisfactory quality and competitive prices.

2021-03-19
How frequently should i replace my hearing aid?

How frequently should i replace my hearing aid?

New Hearing Aids When To Replace An Old One? How often do hearing aid batteries need to be replaced? and do you need to upgrade your hearing aids? This is a topic about the lifespan of hearing aids, and hearing aid wearers often ask this question.

hearing aids for seniors

For hearing aid wearers, the device offers a means to manage their hearing loss and improve their quality of life in an instant, so naturally they come to depend on its reliability. There might come a time, perhaps sooner than one may think where a new or replacement hearing aid should be considered. Here are a few common scenarios. 

hearing aids for seniors

1. Change of style and moving with the times - Hearing aids are split into types by the way in which they fit the ear. The most recently popular design is a mini or micro open fitting behind-the-ear(BTE) which as the name suggest, fits behind the ear of the wearer. In recent years more thought has gone into the contemporary design of hearing aids with an aim to make the device smaller, more compact and the holy grail... more discreet. Changing style is a common consideration for replacing the aid in particular with regards to comfort. 

2. New technology - Most of us are familiar with the scenario of buying an electronic device which at the time of purchase is the most advanced or current model to quickly discover that a new model is on its way with newer technology. While technological improvements in the hearing aid industry won’t rival the likes of mobile phones for example, technology is continually improving. Amplification grows, sound is better distinguished, new features added and other recent developments make hearing aids an even better solution today than they were even a few short years ago. 

hearing aids for seniors

3. Broken or damaged hearing aid - Repairing a device when its out of warranty can be very costly. If there was ever a logical situation to consider a new hearing aid, this is the one. Even if the aid was fixed professionally and is now in working order, hearing aids (and in particular in the ear  (ITC) hearing aids) are susceptible to moisture and wax damage. A new hearing aid will come with a new warranty covering the complete device, not just the most recently replaced part as can often be the case with repaired hearing aids. 

4. Affordability - Xiamen AUSTAR provide affordable hearing aids. There are cheap hearing aids and high-end hearing aids for you to choose from.

About AUSTAR Hearing Aids

Xiamen AUSTAR is the leading China manufacturer and supplier of hearing aids. Wholesale behind the ear (BTE) hearing aids, in the ear (ITE) hearing aids, rechargeable hearing aids and other types of hearing aids and use our own fitting system software for programming hearing aids to ensure superior quality of hearing aids and make price competitive in this industry. Our main customers are hearing aid companies/distributors across the USA, Europe, Asia and Mid East.

If you are looking for a reliable Chinese manufacturer of hearing aids, contact us, you will find value in AUSTAR. We provide solutions for hearing aid companies/distributors to save time and price/costs. AUSTAR commit to provide customers with excellent service, satisfactory quality and competitive prices.

2021-03-19
How To Store Hearing Aid Batteries

How To Store Hearing Aid Batteries

Whichever brand of hearing aid you use, and whichever type you find most suitable, it will require power to function. To ensure continued benefit from a working hearing aid, wearers often carry additional batteries just to be on the safe side. It is therefore important to follow a few simple rules about hearing aid battery storage, so it actually works when you need it.

4 Tips for Storing Hearing Aid Batteries

1. Keep the battery in its packaging: It is essential to ensure that hearing aid batteries do not come into contact with other metals. Coins, keys, glasses frame and other metal objects may short out the battery. Their packaging will help protect them from such damage. 2. Keep them indoors: Certain temperatures can have a significant effect on the service life of the battery. Room temperature storage is recommended. Do not store your batteries in the fridge and try to avoid high temperatures as well. 3. Store well away from babies and children: Another reason to keep the batteries in their original packaging is the risk from swallowing by curious household members. Store them away from sight in a secure place. 4. Refrain from mixing old and new: If batteries are kept out of their packaging, do not mix old and new batteries. If you do, you run the risk of drawing power from the new battery thereby shortening its service life rapidly.

Batteries Storage Myth

Storage in a fridge or freezer - Despite what you might think, batteries manufacturers do not recommend such storage conditions. Cold temperatures may lead to condensation which can damage and short the battery.

Hearing Direct Hearing Aid Batteries
If you’d like to get more advice or find out more about our wide range of Hearing Aid Batteries then check out these links:
* Hearing Direct’s range of Hearing Aid Batteries
* Hearing aid battery reviews
* Choosing hearing aid batteries
* How long do hearing aid batteries last?
* Common hearing aid battery questions and answers
* Hearing Aid Battery Sizes explained

2021-03-10
Hearing Aid Batteries Color Index

Hearing Aid Batteries Color Index

Whether you have chosen to purchase your hearing aid from Hearing Direct, or from any other retailer, it will require a power source in the shape of a battery to provide the necessary functionality. Hearing aid batteries are manufactured by a number of leading suppliers from Rayovac to Energizer. so performance and price vary from one brand to the next and from one type of power cell technology to the other.

One feature which all hearing aid batteries have in common is a color index. Because the various batteries look very similar, a color index has been adopted by the various suppliers labeling each battery size with its own unique color. Instead of remembering which battery size your hearing aid uses, it is easier to remember the right color.

Colored circles showing different battery types

Hearing Aid Batteries Colours Index:
Size 10 - Yellow
Size 13 - Orange
Size 312 - Brown
Size 675 - Blue

Now you can easily order the right size next time you need some replacements without having to consult the manual.

We recommend you carry at least one spare battery per hearing aid with you at all times, so you always have a working device – you never know when those low battery warning sounds will strike! You may find the Rayovac Battery Caddy helpful too.

About Austar Hearing
We are one of the world's leading hearing aid specialists. Hearing Direct offers a wide range of affordable products, as well as information resources to help improve the quality of life for the hard of hearing. We sell:

Hearing aids,
Batteries,
Hearing Aid Accessories such as earplugs,

and amplified devices such as super loud alarm clocks and amplified phones.




2021-03-09
Hearing Aids Slow Dementia

Hearing Aids Slow Dementia

A thought provoking piece of research emerged out of America this week linking hearing loss with dementia. As with all these things, more research needs to be done, however, the research suggested that with untreated hearing loss, dementia can be brought forward or enhanced by the associated reduction in cognition, understanding and social interaction that hearing loss has the potential to bring about. It is important to point out that having hearing loss was not suggested to be the cause of dementia rather that one is more likely to develop it at the same age as one’s compatriots that did not. 


It is also important to point out that the more severe the nature of the hearing loss, the more the likelihood of dementia developing. What this study didn’t investigate was whether the use of hearing aids as a method of treatment for hearing loss reduced or eliminated this associated risk. Although it would seem logical that it would be the case (unless a link between the physiological rather than psychological nature of hearing loss proved to be the case). 

On that basis, would it be fair to say that treating one’s hearing loss is likely to reduce the onset and/or the severity of dementia? Something to ponder albeit that further work would needs to be done to establish the validity of this statement. In the meantime, treating hearing loss with hearing aids has considerable social and personal benefits as have been widely written about – this may be a further and seemingly more compelling argument in favour of seeking hearing help before the condition becomes typically untenable. On average people wait for a period of around 7 years from first recognising a potential hearing problem before ultimately obtaining help – this is driven by many factors, including the fear of being labelled as ‘getting old’. 

There can be little question that the onset or development of dementia would almost certainly attract the very same fear; the consequences of which would be considered, by most, as more far reaching. Seeking hearing help already has some well established benefits and perhaps we are seeing the dawn of one of the most significant to date. Please find a link below to the story covering the research for more information: http://www.foxnews.com/health/2011/02/15/study-hearing-aids-slow-dementia/


2021-03-09
Too Big To Care

Too Big To Care

We get a number of emails from customers following up on their experience of dealing with HearingDirect, as I am sure every other company must do. I cannot say that it is a “high” or “low” number as I do not have anything to benchmark the quantity against but I can say they are extremely welcome as they are in the most part very positive. One we received recently was enthusiastically relating how everything had worked to plan, how they had received good advice and how they were now enjoying sounds that they had not heard for a while. All good stuff. Then best of all, they went on to say that they were going to tell friends and family, recommending us to all and sundry – great stuff, referrals are very, very welcome. They closed by saying “I hope that HearingDirect never gets too big to care.”

Strange statement, as seconds earlier they were busy telling the world about us and then wishing for us to remain at our current size for ever! I can of course understand what the email is inferring. The personal service that we try to deliver is just that – personal. We do build relationships with our customers, whether by email, phone or letter. We do care that they either get to a satisfactory outcome or they get their money back knowing that we have tried everything possible to help.

However, there are 28.8 million people in the US that according to research would benefit from a hearing aid. How many millions more are there that would also enjoy the positive benefits of an amplified phone they could hear on (here), an extra loud alarm clock that wakes them and any other products that are designed to assist those with hearing loss? HearingDirect has only just scratched the surface of these 4 million and so we would very much like to get significantly bigger by helping significantly more who may be inspired to write emails of thanks.

The challenge for us all at HearingDirect is therefore to grow without compromising our standards of care. We do not have a charter of care and we have not written down a care protocol. We have not ISO’ed or Quality Controlled our care. The way we operate and what we do comes from our personal desire to treat our customers as we would like to be treated.

We were interviewing recently and there was a very qualified lady who could have done the job standing on her head but we were not convinced that she understood what our customers mean to us. As tempting as it was to recruit her, we did not, as although we intend to get bigger, like the email we want to maintain our standards of care.

Have a very Happy Christmas, please keep in touch and if we get “too big to care”, you have my permission to remind me of this blog.

2021-03-08
When Technology Provides Real Benefits?

When Technology Provides Real Benefits?

I can only hope that whoever reads this, and I know there are one or two of you, had as good as time as I did. Perfect company, perfect food (although as always far too much) and very above average wines thanks to my father scorning my humble cellar. He is desperately trying to shift me away from my love of cheap Rioja to something more refined so turned up laden with gorgeous French reds, crisp New Zealand whites and none to shabby Champagne. I have to confess to enjoying the change, although needless to say once the supply of his finery ran dry, I had little difficulty in returning to my Spanish roots.

I alluded in an earlier blog that if we are honest with ourselves a large part of Christmas is the giving and receiving of presents. I am very happy to report that the female mind continues to baffle me as while all my gifts were well received, if the degree of gratitude can be judged by the volume of the squeals of joy then Mr Potatohead Shower Gel (£4.99 available at all Superdrug stores) comprehensively outshone the expensive necklace (rather more than £4.99 from pricey antique boutique). Note to self in future stick to the cheap stuff!!

On the flip side of the present exchange, I had some really wonderful presents, one of which perfectly captured my attitude to technology. I was given a digital radio. I had dropped Father Christmas a fairly hefty hint that this would be well received but I had not been specific about the “digital” element. I merely wanted a radio for my bedside table to replace the one that had been acquired by my thieving daughter. I am now very glad that Father Christmas had the vision to go digital and I will explain why (in my usual rambling way).

In 1996, when I received the calling to join the hearing aid industry, the company that I worked for was amongst the very highest technology providers. Our products used all sorts of advanced programming algorithms and although they were complex when set up correctly provided fabulous benefits to the wearers. They were not digital – at that time no hearing aids were. However, shortly after my arrival a competitive company launched the first digital hearing aid. It did not have the same complex algorithms that ours used but it had that magic word “digital” in its description. Being slightly behind in the race to use digital processors in our hearing aids we fought for a long time to persuade our customers that digital was not necessarily better. We could not, they were blinded by “digital” and left us in droves. Of course as soon as we launched our own digital products, then we enthusiastically agreed that digital was better and why on earth would anyone buy analogue hearing aids. How shallow and shameless we were!

In reality, we were right. “Digital” is only a processing mechanism and unless it is used to provide an audible benefit then there was no advantage in digital to the consumer. The harsh reality was that the consumer wanted the latest and “digital hearing aid” sounded so much more modern. Is it the same with radios? Well my digital radio has real, audible benefits over my previous model, so the manufacturers have used the digital processing to produce a better product for me the consumer – so “Yes!”, digital is better.

To reassure you, all the hearing aids sold by austar-hearing.net are digital and all have features that use this processing to provide real benefits to the wearer.

My digital radio does have one limitation though. As soon as it becomes apparent to the hoodlums who infest my house that I have something better than they do, I have no doubt they will come with their thieving hands to relieve me of it. To this end I have a recommendation to the manufacturer of digital radios – they should be provided with a lock and chain to bolt them in place.
2021-03-08
Spectacle Hearing Aids Explained

Spectacle Hearing Aids Explained

A fair number of people ask us whether we supply spectacle hearing aids; perhaps because Jamie Murray Wells, the founder of GlassesDirect, is also HearingDirect’s chairman. I guess it would seem like a neat link up between the companies! Whatever the reason for the contact, it is apparent that there is a great deal of interest in this particular hearing solution, and I hope the following will be a source of information for those searching for further explanation. 

As the name implies, spectacle hearing aids are hearing aids integrated into the frames/arms of a pair of glasses. Spectacle hearing aids are most commonly associated with ‘bone conduction’ fittings, but some ‘air conduction’ spectacle hearing aids are also available. If the terms ‘bone’ and ‘air’ conduction need further explanation, a quick anatomy and physiology lesson is required. The ear can be divided into three parts: the outer ear (which is everything outside up to the eardrum); the middle ear (an air-filled cavity containing the three tiniest bones in the human body) and then the inner ear (where sound is converted to neural impulses to be sent up the auditory nerve for further interpretation in the brain). Sound passing through all three of these areas is said to be transmitted via air conduction.


 Our inner ear can however also be stimulated directly from vibrations in the skull – this is referred to as bone conduction. Bone conduction tests are performed as part of a standard hearing test, to rule out whether a hearing loss is related to problems in the middle or outer ear. Some conditions such as a wax build up in the ear canal, or a disease of the ossicles will mean that a person will hear sounds presented via a vibrator on the mastoid bone (the section of the skull directly behind the ear) better than the same sound presented through headphones.  So, back to spectacle hearing aids: bone conduction spectacle hearing aids may therefore be used if the inner ear is completely or nearly intact, but a hearing loss is present due to a problem in the middle ear and/or the ear canal. 

Sound is picked up via a microphone in the glasses frames and the amplified output is delivered to a vibrator component which lies against the mastoid bone. Contrary to how much these spectacle hearing aids seem to be advertised, many hearing healthcare professionals will only consider fitting these if the condition of the outer ear/middle ear does not permit the use of a conventional hearing aid. Some of these conditions are as follows:

* Severe skin problems in the ear canal (e.g. eczema)
A radical operation on the middle ear has been performed
Chronic otitis media (discharge)

The ear canal is closed or extremely narrowed (stenosis)

In the above cases a well-fitted bone conduction spectacle aid does offer the possibility of a successful outcome. As the transmission of the vibrations is crucial; the fit of these spectacles must be right; and can be difficult to achieve - one of the reasons why HearingDirect do not offer spectacle aids as online purchases. Air conduction spectacle hearing aids are also available, where the sound is delivered into the ear canal; through the use of an earmould. 


The only difference compared to a more traditional behind-the-ear hearing aid is that the hearing aid components are built into the frame of the glasses. For people who wear glasses already, these can appear like ideal solutions, particularly in bone conduction spectacles where nothing is put into the ear canal. It is however worth bearing in mind that this ‘combination’ device does mean that when one’s glasses are removed for any reason, amplification is removed as well. And, any faults with the hearing aid or lenses, may mean losing out on improved hearing/vision at the same time.



2021-02-25
Used Hearing Aids - Should You, Would You?

Used Hearing Aids - Should You, Would You?

In more recent times, especially during a difficult financial period, second hand goods have become an increasingly popular choice for a large number of people. They offer the chance to buy an otherwise expensive item at a discounted price. If the item has been well maintained and kept in good condition; this can often be a very sensible alternative to buying new. 


On the other hand however, there are items, which are always better to buy new, such as hearing aids. There are some very good reasons why people should restrain from buying used hearing aids. Here are just a few: Warranty New hearing aids, like most electronic devices, come with a full manufacturer warranty. 

If anything goes wrong during the warranty period, you can benefit from the many advantages of this service in accordance to its terms and conditions – professional advice and help, free repair of manufacturing defects, etc. No return policy Few used hearing aids vendors offer a return policy. Therefore, if you buy a second hand hearing aid privately and you are not happy with the device, you will have to keep it, even if it turns out not be the best option for you. 

On the other hand, reputable hearing aid sellers often offer 30 days return policy, which means that if you change your mind during the period, you can simply return it and get your money back. Outdated technology Hearing aid technology is constantly evolving and improving in order to provide a truly exceptional level of service to the hearing impaired. Devices are becoming better, lighter and offer more features than ever. If you purchase an old device, you may be limiting your hearing improvement due to outdated technology and also depriving yourself of the possibility to enjoy a richer, fuller sound. Damaged hearing aids When you buy a second hand device, you have to rely on the seller’s personal assurance that it is in a good condition and all of its functionalities can be used to their fullest potential. 

You also have no evidence that the previous owner has maintained the device in a proper fashion. Custom made hearing aids It is possible to end up buying a device, which was specifically made to individually fit its previous owner’s ear and this important detail may not be fully shared. It is also likely that these devices have been custom programmed to suit a very individual hearing loss and as such may provide too little or too great a volume. 


Potential diseases We would recommend properly sterilizing or replacing ear molds of used hearing aids, as they may have traces of fungus or bacteria from the previous user. However, if you are determined to buy a second hand hearing aid, there are different ways to do this. At first, we recommend to consult an audiologist, as they may advise you on what to look for and how to make the best choice. Hearing aid forums are another great option to exchange opinions with other users. They also may have a section, where subscribers offer their old devices at a discounted price. Many people sell second hand hearing aids on popular platforms, such as eBay, etc. In any case, always make such a purchase with caution and consideration and after a thorough research.

2021-02-24
What Does 'Hearing Aid Compatible' Mean?

What Does 'Hearing Aid Compatible' Mean?

We list some Assistive Listening Devices or ‘ALDs’ on our website as being ‘hearing aid compatible'. But what is the meaning of 'hearing aid compatible'?

What Does 'Hearing Aid Compatible' Mean?
Assistive Listening Device is the industry term used to describe any product which provides extra amplification for specific environments – such as hearing better on the phone or making sure someone is alerted to their doorbell ringing. When we list a device as hearing aid compatible it means that it can link into the telecoil or loop setting of any hearing aid.

For example, on a phone such as the Clarity P300 Amplified Photo Phone, it would mean that a hearing aid wearer can listen to the person speaking via their telecoil or ‘T’ setting. You will only need to switch your hearing aid to the T position. The phone is usually automatically set to transmit to the loop within the hearing aid so you don't need to do anything on the phone.

The important thing to note is that ‘hearing aid compatible’ in the context of ALDs doesn’t imply that all ALDs will be ok to use with all hearing aids. It specifically refers to the use of a telecoil setting.

Is there any advantage to using a ‘T’ setting?
Amplified products obviously are louder, but some people find it difficult to use a phone with a hearing aid. Especially if it whistles when the phone is near to the hearing aid. Switching the hearing aid to the ‘T’ position disables the hearing aid’s microphone. This prevents any chance of feedback or whistling. Bear in mind that a telecoil option is not supplied as standard on every hearing aid, so please do check this if the ‘hearing aid compatible’ feature is of interest.

For more information read our blog post on "Making the most of your Telecoil Settings"

About Hearing Direct
We are one of the world's leading hearing aid specialists. Hearing Direct offers a wide range of affordable products, as well as information resources to help improve the quality of life for the hard of hearing. We sell:

* Hearing aids,
Batteries,
Hearing Aid Accessories such as earplugs,

and amplified devices such as super loud alarm clocks and amplified phones.





2021-02-24
When Is A Hearing Aid Good Enough?

When Is A Hearing Aid Good Enough?

"When Is A Hearing Aid Good Enough?" is a question I get asked a lot.

When we originally set up HearingDirect.com one of the questions that was often asked of us and still is today, is how can your hearing aids be any good if they are so cheap? It is a difficult question as the industry has always rated how “good” a hearing aid is by its feature set. How many channels it has, how many bands, what kind of processing, what kind of algorithms, how many programmes etc., etc., all of which mean very little to the customer.


How good a hearing aid is surely measured by how satisfied a user is with it. Our hearing aids have very many good features and do compare very favourably with those available on the high street but rather than revert into a feature-set war that means little or nothing to users we had to come up with an analogy that could be easily grasped. Sure our hearing aids do not have Bluetooth connectivity so will not link up to your iPhone but is that what the customer wants and is a hearing aid that isn’t Bluetooth enabled, therefore no good?

If someone wished to buy a car to use everyday for everyday tasks, would they be better off with a Ferrari or a Ford? We know that if they bought a Ferrari they would be financially worse off but what about everyday use? For some, a hearing aid is the difference between hearing and not hearing. For others, who may have been using hearing aids for a long time, they may wish to find aids that offer greater compatibility with their lifestyle - the iphone use or the need for bluetooth connectivity.


We know you can buy an expensive hearing aid in your local high street. And you may find that if you pop into the shop you will be steered towards a more advanced hearing aid.


Our argument is that most people would be very happy and very well served by a standard hearing aid at a cost-effective price. Our hearing aids may not yet have Bluetooth but if you want to hear more clearly and improve your ability to communicate with the world around you, they can do a terrific job at a fabulous price.


Now everyone wants choice so we don’t just sell basic hearing aids, there is a selection of hearing aids available to suit most pockets and to suit most requirements. You can chose which hearing aid is right for you without any pressure.

At Hearing Direct we believe in giving you the best choice, and the best price which is why we have such a wide range of hearing aids including our own cost effective range. We also include a 30 day money back guarantee. If you are not happy with your choice, then send it back within 30 days and we'll refund you. Did I mention we also offer free shipping on many orders? Click here to check out our range of cost effective hearing aids and our growing range of hearing aid accessories.




2021-02-23
An Idiot Abroad or how I got frustrated with restrictive hearing aid sales

An Idiot Abroad or how I got frustrated with restrictive hearing aid sales

Last week Joan and I flew to Hanover in Germany to attend the biggest Audiology trade show in Europe, so my Blog has an international traveller feel to its title. OK, so I stole it from the Ricky Gervais TV show currently on SKY but as ever with the Blog and all communication I always like to start by pointing out that this contribution is from the unqualified compared to Joan’s highly professional opinion.

The 4 a.m. start was a bit of a shocker. The 344 bus from Battersea Park Road to Liverpool Street Station was surprisingly busy. The Stansted Express was depressingly grotty – terrible first impression for people arriving in UK. German Wings was crash free but that’s the limit to the positives from their service. The only pleasant part of the journey was the taxi from Hanover Airport but this had an unpleasant sting of €50 – ouch! International travel is far from glamorous.

We went to the audiology show to see the latest innovations from the manufacturers and to ensure that we keep abreast with technology. There has been such a marked improvement since I joined the industry in the mid-nineties and we can now provide brilliant solutions to really improve the lives of people that suffer from hearing loss. So my expectation was high.

While there were undoubtedly some great hearing aids and hearing aids accessories being displayed with these shows there is always one star product that captures the spirit of the industry. This year was a hearing aid that can only be fitted by specially trained sellers. It stays in your ear for four months at a time, after which you have to go back and have it changed. There will only be 25 centres in the whole of the UK. You have to be careful and manage your life to ensure it doesn’t get damaged – no diving in the swimming pool etc. I do not know the price yet but as each seller will have to pay around £10,000 for the privilege of being an approved centre I expect that it will be ferociously expensive, and this is part of my problem.

I love an analogy and on this occasion I will use the mobile phone industry. Early phones used to be the size of a brick, cost the earth, have limited functionality and were really only the remit of the well-heeled businessman. Nowadays mobile phone can do everything except cook your breakfast, are so cheap that they often come free as part of a user package and universally used. Hearing aids used to be large, with limited functionality and expensive. On the high street they are now small, have great technology but unlike progress in the phone world are still very expensive! The reason behind the price that the industry will quote is lack of volume. Well my argument is that while they bring out their latest technology and make it available through limited outlets at an eye watering price then we will never achieve “volume”.

Our philosophy has always been to provide an alternative to the prices of the high street retailers. We sell good technology at great prices. A hearing aid that has to be specially fitted and changed every four months, does not fit with our self-help, try it at home offering. I hope that through our approach to value for money we will help more customers achieve a very satisfying outcome than all those 25 centres put together.

The RNID quote that there are 4 million people in the UK who could benefit from hearing aids. If those 4 million people wished to access this latest technology, each of the approved sellers would have to deal with 160,000 customers. It is not going to happen. Let’s develop good technology and be brave enough to provide it to everyone at affordable prices because there are 4 million people whose lives could be vastly improved.

2021-02-23
Buying Hearing Aids: 20 Things You Should Know

Buying Hearing Aids: 20 Things You Should Know

Hearing aids are often the most effective means to manage hearing loss. Unfortunately, they will not cure your hearing loss, but rather make your hearing loss manageable provided they work well for you. In this blog post, we cover the top things you need to know before you think about purchasing one.

20 Things You Should Know Before Buying Hearing Aids
So, before buying, here is a list of 20 useful things to know about hearing aids:

1. Do you really need one - If you have any doubts about your hearing, get it checked and diagnosed. You can take our free online hearing test which will indicate if you should take further action to protect your hearing.

If you already have an audiogram and you have questions about it or would like to use it for ordering purposes, then please do get in touch on email: audiology@hearingdirect.com we’d love to help!

However, most hearing aids can provide only little benefit in cases of profound hearing loss.

2. Know your rights - Although Medicare does not cover hearing aids, you can get hearing tests and other hearing services with Medicare.

Medicaid often covers hearing aids for adults. Medicaid must pay for hearing aids for children. You may qualify for Medicaid if you have a disability or do not make a lot of money.

3. Hearing centre - If you decide to purchase a device privately, you do not have to buy them at the hearing centre where your hearing test took place. Take your results and explore your options. Use the internet to research your options, it is a powerful tool.

4. Private hearing aids vary in price - Make sure to allow plenty of time to research well. Prices can vary and the difference can be in the thousands. Pay attention to over-engineered, over-priced and over-sold hearing aids on the private market.

5. Decide on the type - Hearing aids vary in the way in which they fit your ear. Some fit inside your ear, others behind and so on. Be sure to research your options. Learn more about different types of hearing aid here.

6. Understand the difference between the models - Models will often vary in terms of their functionality. Pay attention to battery life and specific compatibility which you might require such as telephone use.

7. Check the return policy - If the hearing aid does not come with a full money back guarantee, then it may be wise to look elsewhere. You should not be faced with paying for something that does not deliver tangible benefit.

8. Check for warranty - Look for devices that include a manufacturer warranty. The standard warranty is 12 months and normally can be extended nearer the expiry date.

9. You have options when buying privately - If you decide to go down the private route, hearing aids are available from high street chains and online where you will get better value for your money.

10. Hearing aids won’t make your hearing loss worse - A myth in some circles, wearing hearing aids does not make your hearing loss worse, in many cases, it can reduce the onset of hearing loss.

11. Two are better than one - Wearing two hearing aids will help manage your hearing loss better. There are many binaural benefits, in the same way as you are unlikely to buy a monocle to help with visual correction required for both eyes. We have two ears and two eyes for a reason!

12. Too loud can cause hearing loss as well - Too much amplification can damage your hearing, so it's important to have a hearing test before you buy.

13. Hearing aids can be worn with glasses - Just pay attention when removing the glasses so not to dislodge the behind the ear styles.

14. Battery life varies - The longevity of the battery will change from one device to the next and will greatly depend on how often the device is used.

15. Hearing aid batteries should not be placed in the bin - Safely dispose of batteries. Many retailers who sell batteries collect them for recycling, check with a local store.

16. Be mindful of pets - Don't let your cat get your hearing aid. Some cats and dogs seem to favor the taste of hearing aids, or object to the high-pitched noise they can make if left turned on when out of the ear. Make sure to store the device safely and away from pets.

17. Broken hearing aids can be repaired - But... if the device is outside of its warranty, consider a new one as the cost of repair can sometimes equal a new aid especially those available online.

18. Invisible hearing aids are not magic - These are merely normal digital hearing aids which fit inside the ear canal and not necessarily expensive. Be wary of those offering them for inflated prices.

19. Used hearing aids are a bad idea - They will often include outdated technology and no return policy. Don’t leave your hearing improvement to chance and buy new.

20. Keeping moisture at bay - All hearing aids can be affected by the build-up of moisture. This will stop the device from working. Make sure you store the device in room temperature conditions and if possible using desiccant storage such as the Cedis Drying Capsules and Pot Kit.
2021-02-22
How A Hearing Aid Works

How A Hearing Aid Works

How does a hearing aid work? Hearing aids come in many shapes, sizes and colours. They all have very similar technology, although some are more advanced than others. Learn more about the components and what they do...


How do hearing aids work?

At its most simplistic there are four major electrical components of a modern hearing aid, all packed into a tiny cover. They are:


1) The Microphone

This may be a single microphone with a single port which would not enable the hearing aid to have a directional function. It can also be a single microphone with two ports which does provide some limited directionality function. The aid could have dual microphones which, when aligned to a sophisticated chip, can provide a variety of directional functions. The microphone gathers the sound from the environment, changes it from an analogue sound wave to a digital electronic signal and passes the signal on to the microchip or processor.


2) The Microchip

This is the core of the hearing aid. It takes the incoming sound from the microphone and processes it according to the programmed algorithms. The incoming signal may be divided into a number of frequency bands so that the chip can apply differing degrees of amplification to different frequencies. This allows the chip to shape the frequencies transmitted to the ear. With the vast majority of hearing losses there is a need to apply greater amplification to the higher frequencies. Modern day microchips or DSPs (digital signal processors) work very much faster than their predecessors, have a much greater capacity for multiple functionality and are very much smaller, so capable of providing sophisticated technology in the smallest of devices. Some hearing aids also have directional technology in the chip, which helps to distinguish between speech and background noise by using a trademarked tracking technology.

3) The Receiver

Ironically the Receiver does not receive sound, that’s the role of the microphone, it transmits sounds. The Receiver is a miniature loud speaker and connects to the microchip. It turns the electronic signal into a sound wave and passes this directly into the ear. Usually it is protected from damage through wax or moisture. In the case of RIC (Receiver in Ear) hearing aids the Receiver is positioned at the end of a tube inside the ear canal and connected by a wire to the main part of the hearing aid.


4) The Battery
A hearing aid is an electrical device and therefore requires a source of electrical power. Hearing aid batteries come in a variety of sizes. There are also a variety of different types, including rechargeable, but by far the most common is Zinc Air. All of these components fit inside a casing that goes either in the ear or behind the ear. Sound is delivered either electronically having been converted into an electrical signal or as an actual sound wave down very thin tubes. These tubes can be fed directly into the ear canal or be secured within an ear mould which is usually custom made to fit an individual’s ear. At its simplest a hearing aid takes sound in through the microphone, amplifies it with a microchip processor and transmits it into the ear from the receiver


The Tube

A tube is used in BTE (Behind the Ear) and RIC hearing aids. It connects the components in the case behind the ear to the dome in the ear canal. In the case of a BTE aid the sound travels down the tube into the ear and in the case of a RIC aid the tube contains a small wire connecting to the Receiver (a speaker) .


The Dome

A dome is usually a soft silicone dome that fits securely onto the end of the tube or the end of the hearing aid in the case of ITE (In the Ear) or CIC (Completely in Canal) hearing aids, making a comfortable fit in the ear canal. There are several types, the most significant difference being between open and closed domes. Open domes have holes allowing sound from outside to enter the ear which may help if you also suffer from tinnitus.


About Hearing Direct
We are one of the world's leading hearing aid specialists. HearingDirect offers a wide range of affordable products, and information resources to help improve the quality of life for the hard of hearing. We sell:
* Hearing aids,
Batteries,
Accessories such as earplugs,
and amplified devices such as super loud alarm clocks and amplified phones.





2021-02-22
Does Medicare Cover Hearing Aids?

Does Medicare Cover Hearing Aids?

One of the most popular questions asked in the US is "does Medicare cover hearing aids?" In this blog post, we explain some of the finer details of hearing aid insurance, and offer cost-effective tips.


Does Medicare Cover Hearing Aids?
If you are covered by Part A or B of Medicare, then, unfortunately, the answer is no. These plans do not cover digital hearing aids. If you do experience an issue with your device, you may have to check with the manufacturer regarding a warranty or how to fix the problem.
But don't panic. There are a number of solutions in the market should you need to repair a device or require replacement parts to keep your hearing aid working at its best.
Fortunately companies like ours sell all the parts you need to keep your hearing aid working efficiently. Our blog post on "Common problems and solutions for when using hearing aids" may help you work out what's wrong.
For the most up to date information, visit Medicare.

Which Hearing Aid Services does Medicare Cover?
Medicare's Part B (medical insurance) covers to 80% of the allowable charges if your doctor or other health care provider orders a hearing or balance test. We recommend that you always check with the insurer for the most accurate information.

Medicaid for those on low incomes will provide hearing assessments and hearing aids for children registered with the scheme up until the age of 21.

Does Medicare Cover Hearing Aids Replacement Parts?
Depending on the service required, other options may offer you the assistance you need. Your device itself may not be the issue. Domes, wax guards, tubes or other components can also become faulty. At Hearing Direct, you find a wide range of hearing aid accessories to help fix, repair, or improve your device. The question to ask may not be 'does Medicare cover hearing aids?' but more like: which options are available?

Where Can I Buy Hearing Aid Insurance?
Just as you would protect your car, home, and life, there are options when it comes down to hearing aids insurance. Some hearing aid insurers are listed below:
Midwest Hearing
Ear Service Corporation (ESCO)
This list solely gives examples and does not constitute a recommendation for the company listed.

Each company is able to offer different plans, benefits, and coverage, so it is recommended that you review policies to find the correct cover you need. Depending on the state you live in, plans may differ from state to state or alternative insurance plans may exist.

The Price of Hearing Aids
Hearing aids can be very expensive. The average price of a privately purchased hearing aid is around $1,500 and can be up to $6000, so quite rightly, they are a valuable investment. On top of buying a hearing device, other costs factor in, raising the initial price. This includes:
Audiometric examinations
Device insurance costs
Hearing aid batteries

Fixing faults


The average life of a hearing aid is around five years. Depending on the stage of your life at which you require a hearing device, this may become a long-term investment with a long-term price tag. This is why we at hearingdirect.com are dedicated to providing affordable hearing aids.

How to Reduce the Cost of Hearing Aids
Having answered the question 'does Medicare cover hearing aids?', there are proven ways to help reduce the overall amount you could end up spending on all things hearing aid related during your lifetime. Cost-effective solutions do exist. Price tags can often be a real deterrent, especially if you are on a budget. There are a number of things to bear in mind, both when purchasing new hearing aids, as well as evaluating their future costs.
Browse hearing aids - Shop around to find a device that fits your needs and budget.
Inspect warranties - Depending on the manufacturer, warranties may vary and include a different set of terms.
Compare insurance - Browse policies from multiple companies to find the best deal for you.
Hearing aid type - Different makes and models or device may require different parts or take different batteries, affecting cost.
Test your hearing - Update your hearing status so you know which features you'll require from hearing aids.
Some things though will be unavoidable. For example, buying hearing aid batteries will be a regular occurrence.

Where Can I Buy Affordable Hearing Aids?
Our website is home to a number of items purposely designed with price in mind.
 HD 91 Digital Hearing Aid
Our digital hearing aids start at amazingly low prices. The HD 91 is our entry-level device. It is almost invisible when worn and is packed with all the fundamental features you'd expect from any hearing aid. This in-the-ear model is suitable for those with mild to moderate hearing loss. The HD 250 a premium, almost invisible, in-the-ear hearing aid is one of our best sellers.

Extra Resources From Hearing Direct
Our blog is home to a collection of further reading. The valuable resources we have created include review, information, tips, and guides. We believe you may be interested in:
20 things you should know when buying hearing aids

How to extend the life of a hearing aid

* How much do hearing aids cost?

Test Your Hearing For Free
You can check your hearing for free with our online hearing test.
Please note, the check is not a diagnostic tool. If you believe you have hearing loss or tinnitus, you should consult a medical professional.

About Hearing Direct
We are one of the world's leading hearing aid specialists. Hearing Direct offers a wide range of affordable products, as well as information resources to help improve the quality of life for the hard of hearing. We sell:

* Hearing aids,
Batteries,
Hearing Aid Accessories such as earplugs,and amplified devices such as super loud alarm clocks and amplified phones.



2021-02-20
What's the Difference between Behind The Ear and In The Ear Hearing Aids?

What's the Difference between Behind The Ear and In The Ear Hearing Aids?

Finding the right hearing aid or realizing the necessity for one is not always easy. According to the National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, one out of every fifth person who needs a hearing aid actually uses one. This means that more awareness is needed to pinpoint the advantages and possibilities of different hearing aids. There are six different types of hearing aids. In this post we look at the differences between the two types Behind the Ear and In the Ear hearing aids.

What is the difference between BTE, ITE and ITC Hearing Aids?
The three main styles are behind the ear (BTE), in the ear (ITE), and in the canal (ITC). Each of these, respectively, offers a wide array of solutions varying in size, colour, design, features, sound processing, etc. Our hearing aids fall into the two categories – behind the ear and in the canal. It is important to remember, though, that every person is different so there is not a universal device. Depending on the specific case, we will recommend one or another aid as more appropriate. You can talk to our team of audiologists for advice by clicking on the chat icon on the bottom right of the screen.

Behind the Ear Hearing Aids
 

HDR200 Rechargeable hearing aidHDR 200 Rechargeable hearing aid
Behind the ear hearing aids are one of the most popular devices for hearing help. They consist of a small plastic case that is located behind the ear, a dome that goes into the outer ear, and a connecting thin tube that amplifies the sound. All the electronics such as the microphone, battery, controls, and often the loudspeaker, are discreetly hidden in the case, while the almost invisible thin tube connects it to the open-fit dome. As the electronics are outside the year, they are protected from clogging and are easy to maintain and clean.

In the Ear Hearing Aids
Another type of hearing device is the in ear hearing aid. It is suitable for mild to profound hearing loss depending on the style and fit. Offering in essence the same functions as the behind the ear hearing aid, it is different in size and location. This type of hearing aid is placed entirely in the ear. The small hard case contains all the necessary electronics, controls, microphone, and telecoil feature if present.

Most in the ear hearing aids are custom made to fit the individual ear and could be visible when there is face-to-face interaction. Use by children is not common as with growth, the aid will become too small and would need to be replaced and that could become an expensive process. One of the problems with in the ear hearing aids may come from earwax and moisture finding its way into the aid that could be detrimental to the device, so one should be careful and clean it regularly.

In the Canal Hearing Aids
In the Canal Hearing Aids are even smaller than In the Ear devices and fit inside the ear canal. You can remove them using the tiny pull cord left sticking out of the ear. They are usually mostly invisible and comfort can be increased by varying the size of the dome that comes with it.
Comparing Behind the Ear and In the Canal Hearing Aids
Both types of hearing aids have their advantages. However, choosing a hearing aid should be done depending on its functions, not purely on aesthetic reasons. Here is a list of the main features of both hearing aids.

Benefits of behind the ear hearing aids:
durable battery life as the battery can be larger and will last for longer
easy to clean and maintain
suitable for people with an earwax build-up
range of colors and sizes
possibility for connection to bluetooth (in more expensive aids only)

some can also be used with a range of specialized devices to help you hear better in crowded spaces

Benefits of in the ear hearing aids:
small and discreet
* custom size
2021-02-20
How to Choose The Right Hearing Aid Style For Your Needs

How to Choose The Right Hearing Aid Style For Your Needs

If you’re considering purchasing hearing aids, you’ve probably been introduced to an overwhelming selection of styles and options.

While an audiologist will be happy to help steer you in the right direction, the final decision partly comes down to your personal preferences and lifestyle.

With multiple reputable brands offering a variety of different styles, we wanted to give you a guide to choosing a hearing aid style that best suits your needs.

Determine Your Level of Hearing Loss
Different hearing aid styles serve different hearing loss levels, so it’s important to take a hearing test before you begin looking at different types of hearing aids. You can either schedule an appointment with an audiologist or take a hearing test online to gauge your current situation. 

If you have profound hearing loss, you might consider a behind-the-ear hearing aid (BTE) model that’s slightly bigger and more powerful. 

For mild or moderate hearing loss, you can choose a smaller hearing aid such as the in-the-canal (ITC) style.

Consider Your Activity Level
Another factor that will play into your hearing aid decision is how active you are. For example, if you are relatively sedentary, you can use a BTE hearing aid or receiver-in-canal (RIC) model.

However, if you are very active, you may require a more secure model, such as a completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aid.

Even with hearing loss, you can still be an athlete. Plenty of notable athletes such as David Smith (USA Volleyball), Tamika Catchings (USA Basketball), and Jeff Float (USA Swimming), wear hearing aids. Many world-class athletes claim that hearing aids are just another tool they use for their sport.

Regardless of your activity level, you can wear hearing aids and succeed.

Think About Dexterity
Up to 75 percent of people that struggle with rheumatoid arthritis also suffer from sensorineural hearing loss. Therefore, if you struggle with dexterity, make sure that the hearing aids are easy to handle.

For example, in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids are relatively easy to manipulate, whereas completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aids may be difficult to handle. 

You can also use a hearing aid like the Phonak Lyric, which remains inside your ear unless adjusted by an audiologist.

Consider Visibility
Many patients are reluctant to purchase hearing aids as they don’t want a bulky device. Fortunately, hearing aid technology has advanced, and current models are much more refined. However, there is still a wide selection of hearing aids, and some are more visible than others.

For example, the Phonak Lyric is the first completely invisible hearing aid. An audiologist must insert it, though many people appreciate the discreet nature of this hearing aid and are happy to visit their audiologist for regular adjustments.

The only downside to invisible hearing aids is that they often are less powerful than the larger, more visible hearing aids.

Give One a Try
Purchasing a hearing aid is a very personal decision, and while your audiologist can make medical recommendations, the end decision must be made by you. Most clinics allow a trial period for you to try out their hearing aids. If the sound quality is fine, but the model doesn’t fit with your lifestyle, don’t hesitate to call your audiologist and discuss alternative solutions.





2021-02-18
Understanding 3 Common Hearing Aid Styles

Understanding 3 Common Hearing Aid Styles

If you’re experiencing hearing loss, wearing hearing aids can be a fantastic way to enhance your listening experience. However, it’s important to ensure you get the best hearing device for your needs. With so many different styles available, it’s easy to get swept up by the range of options on offer. To make things easier, look at these three common hearing aid styles and find out how they can enhance your hearing function:

Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids
This style of hearing aid hooks over your ear and sits just behind it, with a custom earpiece sitting in the ear canal. A major benefit of BTE hearing aids is that they can be used by people of all ages and are suitable for virtually all types of hearing loss.

Although BTE hearing aids were traditionally quite large, many newer designs are far smaller. If you’re self-conscious about wearing hearing aids, this doesn’t mean that a behind the ear hearing device isn’t right for you. With newer, streamlined devices barely being visible, a BTE hearing aid need not be conspicuous.

When it comes to functionality, BTE hearing aids are generally capable of more amplification than many other styles. This means that they’re ideal for people with moderate, severe or profound hearing loss. However, the placement of a BTE hearing aid may mean that it’s more prone to picking up wind noise than other styles, so you may want to consider a device with a wind noise reduction feature to combat this.

In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids
Sometimes referred to as full shell hearing aids, in the ear models are designed to fit snugly within the outer portion of your ear. The entire device sits in a single casing, so you’ll simply need to place the hearing aid in your ear to begin using it. As in the ear hearing aids are custom made to fit your ear perfectly, they’re extremely comfortable to wear.

In the ear hearing aids tend to be the largest custom hearing devices on the market. While this may put some people off, their larger size can have some advantages. For example, many ITE hearing aids have controls on the device itself, which can be useful if you don’t want to adjust your hearing aids remotely. In addition, the increased size means that ITE are generally capable of offering more amplification than other custom devices.

As ITE hearing aids completely fill the outer portion of the ear, they can make sounds, like chewing your food, seem excessively loud. Known as occlusion, some people find this irritating but there are ways to avoid it. Choosing an ITE device that features a small vent to prevent occlusion can be a great option.

In-the-canal (ITC) hearing aid
As the name suggests, an ITC hearing aid sits within the ear canal itself. This allows noise to be collected and funneled naturally by the outer ear, before being processed and amplified. This often equates to enhanced directionality detection and creates a more natural sound.

ITC hearing aids sit completely within the ear canal, which means it’s virtually invisible. In fact, no-one is likely to see an ITC hearing aid unless they’re looking directly in your ear! For people who want an inconspicuous or invisible hearing aid, an ITC hearing device is your top choice.
Furthermore, in-the-canal hearing aids are exceptionally comfortable, as they’re custom made to fit your ear canal. Due to their placement, you’re unlikely to experience interference from wind noise too, which is another reason ITC hearing aid style are so popular.

However, the small size of ITC hearing devices does mean that battery power may be shorter when compared to other types of hearing aids. In addition to this, ITC hearing aids are usually too small to feature on-device controls, so you’ll need to adjust your hearing aid using a remote or app.  While ITC hearing aids do require a little more maintenance than other types of hearing devices, they can offer fantastic performance and their size and placement ensures complete discretion.

Finding the best hearing aid
With so many options to choose from, it can be tricky to decide which type of hearing aid to go for. When visiting your audiologist, you’ll be able to try out various different styles to help you decide which type of hearing aid provides the best fit. No matter what type of hearing device you choose, your audiologist will ensure it’s programmed to your needs and perfectly fitted to your ears.
2021-02-08
Study Finds Self-Reported Hearing Loss Linked to Increased Risk of Dementia

Study Finds Self-Reported Hearing Loss Linked to Increased Risk of Dementia

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA — A six-year study of older Australians in the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA) Sydney Memory and Ageing Study has uncovered an association between the impact of hearing loss on cognitive abilities and increased risk for dementia.

In Australia, hearing loss affects 74% of people aged over 70. International studies estimate that people with severe hearing loss are five times more likely to develop dementia. Addressing midlife hearing loss could prevent up to 9% of new cases of dementia – the highest of any potentially modifiable risk factor identified by a commissioned report published in The Lancet in 2017.

 

Link Between Hearing Loss and Dementia
 

A research collaboration between the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA), UNSW Sydney and Macquarie University’s Centre for Ageing, Cognition and Wellbeing has confirmed significant associations between self-reported hearing loss and cognition, as well as increased risk for mild cognitive impairment or dementia.

The research, published in Aging, Neuropsychology and Cognition, used data from 1037 Australian men and women aged 70-90 years enrolled in CHeBA’s Sydney Memory & Ageing Study from 2005-2017.

Individuals who reported moderate-to-severe hearing difficulties had poorer cognitive performances overall, particularly in the domains of Attention/Processing Speed and Visuospatial Ability. They also had a 1.5 times greater risk for MCI or dementia at the 6 years’ follow up.

While hearing loss was independently associated with a higher rate of MCI, it did not show this in people with dementia. This likely resulted from the number of people with dementia at six years’ follow-up being too small to demonstrate a statistically significant effect.
2021-02-08
What Is That Noise!?! – My Take on Living with Tinnitus

What Is That Noise!?! – My Take on Living with Tinnitus

Do you hear that? I often ask my family that question. Sometimes I can’t tell if the noise I am hearing is my tinnitus or if the sound is actually there. Usually, it is all in my head. Typically, I know this, to be honest, but I ask anyway, just in case.

I have a 40-50% hearing loss in both of my ears, but only mild tinnitus. I am grateful for that.  Sometimes I feel that the tinnitus is worse than the hearing loss! Unexplained sounds buzzing and whistling in your head can make you question your sanity. And give you the worst headache known to man. The lack of sound seems almost a relief in retrospect.


woman-holding-head-in-pain

Thus far, I have experienced two types of tinnitus. The first has been occurring on and off for several years and is not that troublesome. I am not sure what the trigger is, or even if there is a trigger, but all of a sudden, I will hear a sound like a fluorescent light was just turned on, followed by a high-pitched beeeeeeeep that lasts for 30-60 seconds. It will often start softly, build to a crescendo, and then taper off, like someone has turned the fluorescent light back off. It happens in noise and in silence.  It comes and it goes, maybe once or twice a week. Strange, but not bad.

But recently, a new type of tinnitus has started, and this one is more debilitating. Again, I’m not sure if there is a specific trigger, but it seems to happen more often after I am exposed to rhythmic loud noises (like a bathroom fan) or to bright lights. It starts suddenly, is much louder than my friend the fluorescent light, and can continue for an hour or more. It is exhausting. I cannot think. I can’t hear what people are saying to me over the ringing. I want to lie down, but sometimes that is not possible. I work to focus on the real sounds around me and carry on.

The best way to counteract my tinnitus that I have found is to watch TV or to play music softly in the background. Any sort of white background noise will do. It needs to be just loud enough to cover up the ringing, but quiet enough so it does not drown out the real sounds around me. Distracting myself can also help – things like reading an engrossing book, or working on this blog. Tricking myself into thinking about something else can make the sound drift into the background and become less consuming. Sometimes the ringing will even go away without my noticing specifically that it ends.

Does my worsening tinnitus mean my hearing is getting worse? My recent audiogram says otherwise, but I still worry. Will my tinnitus take another turn for the worse?  I hope not. These are worries that I have, but I cannot spend time on them. I can only focus on living each day the best that I can.

Readers, what strategies do you have for living with tinnitus?
2021-02-06
Water is Not Your Hearing Aid’s Best Friend!

Water is Not Your Hearing Aid’s Best Friend!

When you have a hearing aid, you have to make sure you are careful when you are around water. This can be difficult in the summer months, when the call to the seashore beckons. Yet for those that spend all their days in a warm climate, this could be a daily occurrence. Thus, it is vital to know if your hearing aid is water resistant.



“Are there even waterproof hearing aids?”
They do exist, but even these devices may only be approved up to a certain level of water. A rogue ocean wave may spell doom to even the hardiest of hearing aid models. To learn more about your hearing aid and if it is water resistant, be sure to ask your audiologist.



“I’m not a beach person so this doesn’t apply to me!”
Not so fast! Your hearing aid may still come in contact with some water. Even the small bit can damage a unit that is not properly suited for water. Due to the small size of the current hearing aid models, they can easily become an after-thought. However, there are steps you can take to minimize the damage if your unit accidentally gets wet.


Remember these steps!
1. Turn off your hearing aid immediately!
2. Take out the hearing aid’s battery.
3. Shake the hearing aid to try and get all of the water out from the battery’s housing.
4. Find a clean and dry cloth to thoroughly dry your hearing aid battery. No water should be present when reinserting the battery into the device.
5. Keep the battery component open and place your hearing aid in a dry area. If you can place the hearing aid in a warm area, all the better!
6. You want it to dry out completely… but just make sure it doesn’t get too hot. Melting will be more catastrophic than the water damage!
7. Once fully dry, reinsert the battery to your device.



“Did I save it?”
If you follow these steps, your hearing aid will have a much better chance of working optimally once again. If it is still malfunctioning, you need to take your hearing aid to your audiologist. Only a trained hearing specialist will be able to assess the damage and tell you if the unit can be salvaged.
2021-01-25
Two are Better than One

Two are Better than One

Hearing loss comes in varying degrees. Yet most often professionals advise that you treat any significant loss through implementation of hearing devices. Most often with two hearing aids. Recent developments have made these formerly cumbersome eyesores into seamless (and even sometimes invisible) electronics. HearingLife believes that clear and confident hearing is priceless, and these electronic devices are worth the investment.


Unique solutions for your ears
Hearing aids are no longer “one size fits all” models. Many different styles and designs offer the wearer the best quality of hearing for their individual lifestyle and needs. For this reason, getting an assessment from a hearing professional is vital when choosing what devices are right for you.


Two hearing aids? Forget about it!
If you consult the top hearing industry professionals, they generally recommend using dual hearing aids to combat most types of hearing loss. Using two devices simultaneously (or binaural hearing) benefits the wearer to such a significant degree that it outweighs the additional cost. With two hearing aids, you will:
Have a better understanding of speech – Two hearing aids allow for easier selective listening. Your brain can focus on the exact conversation you want to hear, not the background noise that is a nuisance to all untreated hearing loss sufferers (and even those who use one device).
Be able to understand more accurately – Even in the most difficult of situations, speech intelligibility is vastly improved when two devices are utilized instead of one.
Be able to correctly identify the origin of noise – Binaural hearing is optimal for localization or the direction in which sound originates.
Have a better quality of sound – A simple numerical comparison says it all. Would you prefer 180 degrees or 360 degrees of sound reception? With two devices, the 360 degrees of reception allows for the most natural sound quality that is technologically possible.
Experience a smooth quality of tone for better sound identification – Two hearing aids requires less volume than one. With the reduction of distortion, you can identify and comprehend sounds easier.
Keep both of your ears active – With two devices, you will discover a wider hearing range. When both ears actively participate in the auditory process, you gain double the hearing power. With only one, the unaided ear can degrade over time. You can avoid Auditory Deprivation Effect with binaural hearing which two devices can provide!



Okay, I understand… but do I really need two hearing aids?
Usually, you will. However, if your hearing assessment reveals that your hearing is completely normal in one ear, a second hearing device won’t help you. Adversely, if you show total deafness in one ear, you won’t need two hearing aids. Also, if you suffer from chronic ear infections (which is a cause of hearing loss), a single hearing aid may work best. This will help you avoid aggravating the infection and limit the number of reoccurrences. Some specific forms of hearing loss cause garbled speech and no hearing aids would help.
2021-01-21
Todays hearing aids can improve your hearing and your life

Todays hearing aids can improve your hearing and your life

Todays hearing aids are small and discreet, with innovative features that can make a tremendous difference in how you hear - and how you participate in life. The newest hearing solutions not only open up a world of sound that you have been missing, they bring additional benefits, like easy on-the-go connectivity to smart phones, TVs, music players and even the Internet.

Connect to a world of sound
There’s no denying the ability of advanced technology hearing aids to keep you better connected to the sounds of everyday life. Their fast-paced sound processing filters out sounds you don’t want to hear and improves your ability to hear the sounds you want to hear, not just the ones directly in front of you. With access to sounds all-around, you not only hear better, you have more freedom to choose what you want to hear.

Remember more with less effort
When you have hearing loss, fewer sounds reach your brain. To make sense of the sounds, your brain has to work harder to understand speech and to help you focus on what’s important. Todays hearing aids do this automatically so you enjoy a richer, more natural hearing experience. You will notice a decrease in listening effort and an increase in remembering more of what people say to you. You will also be better equipped to follow conversations with several speakers, even in challenging listening environments like restaurants and social gatherings.

Enrich everyday with wireless connections
Are you wearing hearing aids or wireless headphones? The answer is both. Hearing aids can now synch seamlessly with your favorite mobile devices, turning your hearing aids into wireless headphones. Free downloadable apps let you control volume and switch from one device to another with just the tap of your finger. On the go, stream audio wirelessly from your mobile phone directly to your hearing aids. At home, stream sound from your TV and radio at your own preferred volume.

Access a world of possibilities
The newest hearing aids continue to push the boundaries of wireless communication. Want the lights to turn on automatically when you switch on your hearing aids or get a notification in your hearing aids when someone’s at the door? Oticon Opn™, the world’s first hearing aid to connect to the Internet, let’s you do that and more. Opn connects directly to the Internet through the If This Then That network (IFTTF.com). Wearers can connect to a range of IFTTT-enabled “smart” devices from doorbells and lighting to thermostats and security systems. For example, you could arrange to have your internet-connected doorbell send a message to your smartphone any time the doorbell rings. Caregivers can receive alerts when a child’s or elderly parent’s hearing aid batteries need changing. The number of smart devices on the IFTTT network is growing all the time, and the potential to enjoy Opn’s Internet connections is limited only by your imagination. 

See for yourself
If you’ve put off looking into hearing aids because you were afraid you wouldn’t be satisfied, you owe it to yourself to experience the many advantages of today’s advanced technology hearing aids. The time may never be more right for you to improve your hearing and your life. Locate your local hearing care expert here and schedule an appointment today.
2021-01-20
Hearing aids keep your brain fit

Hearing aids keep your brain fit

The single most important thing you can do to maintain brain fitness as you age is to stay mentally engaged through an active social life. Healthy hearing plays a central role in helping you to connect with the people and the world around you. When hearing loss interferes with your ability to engage socially, you are at greater risk of cognitive decline than people with normal hearing. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to improve your hearing, keep your brain fit and slow down the accelerated cognitive decline linked to hearing loss.

Think brain first
What is the connection between hearing health and your brain? Hearing starts in the brain. Your brain and your ears work together, with the brain doing the heavy lifting. The brain processes and interprets the sounds your ears detect. It’s in your brain that sound waves become sounds you recognize. Your brain uses information from your two ears to orient you by figuring out which direction sound is coming from. These processes help you focus on conversation and separate out unwanted noise. When you have hearing loss, the sound signals your brain receives from your ears is compromised. Your brain doesn’t get the sound information it needs to make sense of sound and has to exert more energy to fill in the gaps. The extra effort needed to keep up with conversations can leave you feeling tired and frustrated. You may begin to withdraw and avoid the social connections that are so important to brain health.

Avoid risks of untreated hearing loss
Many studies have shown a link between untreated hearing loss and isolation, depression and a host of other health issues. If you have hearing loss, you are also more likely to experience problems with thinking and remembering than older adults with normal hearing. Researchers have also found a correlation between hearing loss and cognitive decline. If you have hearing loss and don’t use hearing aids, you have a higher risk of accelerated cognitive decline.

Take action to address hearing loss
When you actively wear hearing aids to address hearing loss, you reduce your risk of cognitive decline. That is what researchers concluded in a major study involving nearly 4000 volunteers over a 25-year period. In the study, people with hearing loss who used hearing aids and were socially active experienced cognitive decline at a rate similar to those without hearing loss. The researchers believe that the ability to hear better helps improve mood, increase social interactions, and enable more participation in brain-stimulating activities. 

Wear your hearing aids every day
Hearing aids can only help you stay socially engaged if you keep them on your ears, not in the drawer. Take advantage of this easy and proven way to stimulate your brain. Like any exercise, the mental give-and-take of social interaction will help keep your brain fit and slow down the cognitive decline linked to hearing loss.

Don’t wait
Are people mumbling more than they used to? Are you having difficulty hearing conversations? Does your family complain about the volume on the TV? It may be time for a hearing check-up.
The simple act of scheduling an appointment with your local hearing care expert may be one of the important steps you take to keep your brain fit. If a hearing loss is detected, there are many modern, discreet hearing solutions available – far more than even 10 years ago. Today’s hearing solutions preserve as much natural sound and detail as possible so that your brain receives the information it needs to make sense of sound.
2021-01-19
Why should I wear hearing aids?

Why should I wear hearing aids?

We have news for you: hearing aids are awesome!

Not just alone by themselves – it’s what they can do for you that’s amazing.

Perhaps you struggle to hear – perhaps a little more than you admit to yourself. Maybe you haven’t quite managed to make an appointment yet, or maybe you have a pair of hearing aids … in your bedside drawer. Whatever your situation, let’s take a look at the things they can do for you.

1. Hearing aids keep you active and energetic
Hearing aids help you to keep enjoying the activities and sports you love. Whether it’s playing tennis with friends, yoga with your daughter, or golf with your buddies, hearing aids allow you to get more out of it. What’s more, they make it much easier to try new activities.

However, it’s important to get hearing aids that fit your ears and fit your lifestyle. Sadly, research in the USA recently found that approximately 9 million people with hearing aids restrict the activities they do because they’re worried about damaging their hearing aids. But with modern, well-fitting hearing aids and accessories, there are very few activities you can’t do.

2. Enjoy restaurants and cafes again
Most people love dining out – we humans are social animals. But hearing loss can make it so difficult to enjoy a meal with friends that people begin to avoid such situations. It is because the background noise from all those people chattering, eating and moving reduces how much speech you understand. And when we understand less than about 50% of what’s being said, we begin to give up. It simply becomes too much of a mental effort to sustain; it’s like people are talking a different language.
Hearing aids help tune out the background noise so you can focus on the people you want to hear. The newest hearing aids are specifically designed to make speech understanding easier, and can dramatically improve it. If hearing aids can take your level of speech understanding up from 25% to 75%, you can get back in the conversation.

3. Catch what people say the first time
How often do you think you ask people to repeat themselves? Now ask yourself: how often do they think you ask them to repeat themselves?!
Over time, it can happen more and more, but it happens so gradually that you may not notice it.

This may not just be because you need people to speak louder. Hearing loss makes it more difficult for us to identify certain sounds, and makes it more likely we’ll confuse different words. The good news is that with the right kind of hearing aids, you can understand speech better, which enables you to engage more immediately with others – while missing out on less.

4. Follow the conversation when many people are talking
The more people there are, the harder it is to follow the conversation and take part. As the soundfield gets more complex, people with hearing loss find it’s much harder to pick out the people they want to listen to. Their brains simply become overwhelmed by a mass of undifferentiated noise.
However, good quality, modern hearing aids are designed specifically to make it easier when multiple people are speaking. They help you focus on what you choose, rather than deciding for you – as older devices did. It is due to the power of modern hearing aid microchips, which can now process much more sound than ever before.

So what’s your next step? We recommend you come and visit your local friendly hearing care expert for a demonstration of what is possible. Why not experience the latest hearing aid technology for yourself?





2021-01-14
Do you Need a Spare Pair of Hearing Aids?

Do you Need a Spare Pair of Hearing Aids?


If you currently wear hearing aids, we hope you are enjoying the benefits of optimal hearing with your device. You may not realize it, but you have come to rely heavily on the many ways they enhance your life. Did you ever stop to think what would happen if you lost them or left them at home while traveling? We have the perfect solution … a spare pair of hearing aids!

New advances in technology
The newest hearing devices employ the latest digital technology that include many exciting features and benefits such as:
The ability to connect directly to the internet, your smartphone and TV, so you can hear them without struggling
The availability of a new rechargeable unit+ that will save you hundreds of dollars on disposable batteries annually
The capability for you to listen to multiple speakers, even in noisy environments
With so many recent advances to hearing aid technology, now may be a great time for you to test out the latest state-of-the-art features, including smaller sizes and more subtle designs. No matter what your lifestyle, we now have options for you.

I’m ready for an upgrade, but what should I do with my older hearing aids?
When upgrading a cell phone, people often keep their old phones in case of emergencies like if their new phone breaks or gets lost. The same should hold true for your hearing aids as it is a smart idea to keep a spare pair for an emergency.And even if you are still unsure about the need for a spare pair, we advise you to consider having us re-calibrate or reprogram your older devices. We know that there is a good chance that your hearing has changed significantly since you purchased them.

Isn’t one pair enough?
Having a spare pair gives you peace of mind in case of emergencies. Our clients find a spare set of hearing aids useful in many circumstances:
While traveling
At work
To store at your vacation home or at a relative’s house if you visit often
A “purse pair” – that way you always will have them among your essentials
In your safe or a place where you keep valuables

 

Why have a spare pair?
Just like your eyeglasses or cell phone, it’s a major inconvenience to be without them. They are the tools that keep you connected to the world around you. Besides, unlike a mobile phone or a pair of reading glasses, there is no way to just borrow someone else’s hearing aids in the case of an emergency. Hearing aids are calibrated to your individual needs. You may have hearing aid insurance benefits that help you cover the cost. 
Do you have a relative who may benefit from a spare pair? Hearing devices make a great gift.

Hearing well helps the entire family as it ensures clearer communication and overall understanding. If you have a loved one that “forgets to wear” hearing aids when visiting you, you may want to consider giving the gift of hearing with a set of new hearing aids. This way the older pair can “live” at your house and be ready to aid with your relative’s forgetful habit. We couldn’t think of a better gift that Santa could pull from his bag of toys that would help the whole family enjoy the season.

It all starts with a conversation
Hearing healthcare is important to your overall well-being. That is why we are inviting you to come in for a free hearing assessment*. Let us walk you through the entire process, consult you about your hearing and help you decide if hearing aids are right for you or your loved one. Give us a call today at (888) 874-3846 to get started on the road to optimal hearing.

*The purpose of this hearing assessment and/or demonstration is for hearing wellness to determine if the patient(s) may benefit from using hearing aids. Products demonstrated may differ from products sold. Test conclusion may not be a medical diagnosis. The use of any hearing aid may not fully restore normal hearing and does not prevent future hearing loss. Testing is to evaluate your hearing wellness, which may include selling and fitting hearing aids. Hearing instruments may not meet the needs of all hearing-impaired individuals. One offer per customer. Insurance benefit, including Managed Care or federal reimbursements, cannot be combined with any of our promotional offers, coupons or discounts. Other terms may apply. See office for details. +Rechargeable unit is sold as a kit only. ZPower® Rechargeable Kit includes charging dock with power supply, 2 x silver-zinc rechargeable batteries and 2 x battery drawers. Hearing aids are not included.
2021-01-13